Wilderness Impact Challenge returns

The Wilderness Trust has announced the return of its Wilderness Impact Challenge for 2026, building on the success of its inaugural edition.

Now in its second year, the challenge invites innovators, entrepreneurs, engineers, system builders and community leaders to submit practical solutions that strengthen Africa’s conservation economy while generating lasting social and economic value in landscapes where people and wildlife coexist.

“What we have found up to now is that conservation progresses further when it is economically meaningful for the people closest to it,” said Vincent Shacks, Wilderness Group Head of Impact.

“This edition highlights practical, empowerment-driven solutions that help local businesses grow, improve livelihoods and integrate conservation into local economic systems. When communities gain opportunities through conservation, both people and wilderness benefit.”

The challenge will award US$100 000 to the initiative with the greatest potential for impact, enabling the implementation of the winning concept.

According to Wilderness, a thorough review process by its impact team, supported by an expert judging panel drawn from the Wilderness Trust board, will determine the winner.

Educate, empower and protect

Rooted in Wilderness’ three core impact pillars – Educate, Empower and Protect – the 2026 edition focuses on the Empower pillar.

This emphasis reflects the Trust’s commitment to addressing the underlying economic barriers to conservation, Wilderness said.

By prioritising locally grounded, durable solutions over short-term interventions, the challenge aims to ensure that communities are active participants in protecting their natural environment while improving their livelihoods.

Wilderness said the concept of the conservation economy is central to the challenge. It is defined as the network of people, enterprises, skills and systems that enables wild places to be protected while supporting secure, dignified livelihoods.

This includes value chains, services, technologies, financial mechanisms and governance structures that connect nature to economic participation and allow communities to benefit directly from conservation-compatible activities.

Economically viable, socially empowering

By supporting projects that strengthen these systems, the challenge seeks to make conservation both economically viable and socially empowering.

The challenge is open to individuals, teams and organisations worldwide whose solutions address real economic constraints within conservation landscapes.

While proposals must demonstrate relevance to regions where Wilderness operates, initiatives should be designed for local implementation, with the potential to scale and adapt across Africa.

“Building on the momentum of our inaugural challenge, we are excited to invite a new wave of global participation,” said Charles Douglas, chairman of the Wilderness Trust. “By centring empowerment, the 2026 Impact Challenge aims to ensure conservation is locally led, economically viable and built to last.”

Applications are now open and will close on 30 April 2026. Interested participants are encouraged to submit a short video outlining their proposed solution, along with a full application detailing objectives, expected impact and implementation strategies. Comprehensive information, including submission requirements and assessment stages, is available on the Wilderness Trust website.

The Wilderness Impact Challenge represents an opportunity to merge innovation, conservation and community development, offering a platform for global thinkers to make a tangible difference in Africa’s wild places. For more information, visit www.wildernesstrust.com/impact-challenge or contact info@wildernesstrust.com.